91ÊÓƵ

Retail sales climbed in November by the most in four months as American consumers put to work some of the money saved from the cheapest gasoline since early 2009.

Consumer confidence fell last week to a one-year low as households’ views on the U.S. buying climate deteriorated by the most since December 2011.

One in five Americans in November said the economy is improving, matching the smallest share in two years and keeping a monthly gauge of expectations close to a 13-month low.

The cost of living excluding food and fuel rose again in October after picking up the prior month, showing inflation edging closer toward the Federal Reserve’s goal.

Borrowing by American households rose at a faster pace in September on increased lending for auto purchases and bigger credit-card balances.

Consumer confidence declined to a seven-week low as Americans’ views of the U.S. economy sank by the most since February.

Consumer sentiment rose less than forecast in October as Americans viewed buying conditions as less favorable than they did earlier in the month.